When landscaping idea goes wrong

Dear Sir,

While we admire the ingenuity of landscaping artists and designers of the fast-expanding city of Doha, at times their work does not produce the intended results fully.
A dhow is placed at a junction near  Qatar University. At first it  made a great sight but  over time, the space around the boat has been planted with flowering shrubs. As time passed, these  shrubs have been hung on to the boat with the result that the boat is no longer seen, covered  by  a wall of flowers.
There is a smaller boat at a junction on the way to the Sultan Hotel Beach Resort  in Al Khor. The ground beneath the boat has been laid with blue  gravel in a wavy manner, giving the viewer a sense of it being on water.
I think something similar, maybe  plants with blue flowers, should be considered around the dhow at the Qatar University junction.

FAK, (Full name and address supplied)

Cast off this negative stance

Dear Sir,

The  Congress Party has been dominating India’s federal system for most of the time since the country’s independence in 1947. Despite such a long time at the helm of the central government, there had only been very few genuine development initiatives until P V Narasimha Rao became the country’s prime minister. The opening-up of the country to foreign direct investment with the backing of Dr Manmohan Singh gave India a new push. This cannot be overlooked.
However, ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014 with an absolute majority in parliament, the Congress Party seemed to be constantly upset, criticising every initiative of the Narendra Modi government. This is quite disappointing.  
Certain responsible individuals and political parties   take  a hindering approach to  all government  programmes and it obviously delays the nation’s development. Delays in projects and development initiatives always have an impact on the poor and middle-income people. The rich are seldom affected, however.
India, with its massive natural and human resources, should be a flourishing land in every aspect; however, internal politics and corrupt practices have been hindering the nation’s march to greater heights.  Technologically, India can be a global hub and its economy can be upgraded to higher level.
A strong work culture and innovative thinking should  help improve the living standard of people but this can be achieved only with a collective effort. All political parties must join hands to bring India together and push it forward.   
Several good things have been happening in the country of late; sadly, the negative reception to them by certain parties and  leaders doesn’t allow their benefits reaching the masses.

Ramachandran Nair, (e-mail address supplied)

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